Introduction: DT Group Faces Medical Uncertainty to Start Training Camp
As Lions rookies report to 2025 training camp, few position groups carry as many medical question marks as the defensive tackles. After keeping just four DTs on last year’s 53-man roster, depth and health will be crucial — especially with 2024 first-round pick Tyleik Williams expected to contribute early.
From returning veterans with major surgeries to rookies recovering from minor strains, here’s a comprehensive training camp medical preview of Detroit’s defensive tackle unit.
Top Lions DTs with Injury Concerns
1. Alim McNeill (25) – ACL Tear (Dec. 2024)
- Injury: Right ACL tear
- Status: Expected to start on PUP
- Return projection: Week 11 vs Eagles (Nov. 16)
- Outlook: McNeill’s late-season injury means he likely won’t be back at full speed until late 2025 or early 2026. Expect a slow ramp-up in snaps once he returns.
2. Mekhi Wingo (22) – Meniscus Tear (Nov. 2024)
- Injury: Presumed meniscus repair
- Status: Possible PUP start
- Outlook: If cleared, he’s a strong contender to make the 53-man roster. The Lions may ease him in slowly due to his age and potential.
3. Brodric Martin (26) – Knee Hyperextension (Aug. 2024)
- Injury: Right knee
- Status: Limited at OTAs
- Outlook: Needs a strong camp to secure a spot. The added preseason game gives him a chance to rebound after a lost 2024 season.
4. DJ Reader (31) – Quad Tendon Tear (Dec. 2023)
- Injury: Right quad tendon; prior left quad injury
- Status: Limited in OTAs (precautionary)
- Outlook: Reliable starter when healthy, but age and injury history mean his snap count may be managed throughout the season.
5. Levi Onwuzurike (27) – Spinal Fusion (Oct. 2022)
- Injury: L5-S1 fusion
- Status: Limited in OTAs
- Outlook: Reliable last season, but the back fusion raises long-term durability concerns. Likely to play rotational snaps with managed reps.
6. Tyleik Williams (22) – Hamstring Strain (Mar. 2025)
- Injury: Mild hamstring strain
- Status: Limited in OTAs, expected full go for camp
- Outlook: Should be ready to contribute immediately, especially with McNeill sidelined. One of the most important pieces in early-season rotation.
Depth DTs and Health Projections
7. Myles Adams (27)
- Status: Limited in OTAs despite no known injury
- Outlook: Unclear status entering camp. Likely competing for a practice squad spot.
8. Pat O’Connor (31) – Calf Injury (Jan. 2025)
- Injury: Season-ending calf strain
- Status: Fully cleared at OTAs
- Outlook: Veteran depth option who could make the 53-man roster depending on younger DTs’ preseason play.
9. Roy Lopez (28)
- Injury: None
- Status: Full participant
- Outlook: One of the healthiest and most durable options. Signed a $3.5M deal and is a lock for the roster.
10. Chris Smith (25)
- Injury: None
- Outlook: Played limited snaps last season but should be fully healthy. A strong preseason could push him onto the 53-man roster or practice squad.
11. Raequan Williams (28)
- Injury: Unknown (IR in 2024, no NFL snaps since 2021)
- Outlook: Long-shot to make the team. Camp body unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Lions defensive tackle injury update.
Conclusion: Health Will Define Lions’ DT Room in 2025
With Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo recovering, rookies and backups will play a critical role early in the 2025 season. The Lions’ medical team and coaching staff will closely monitor returning veterans and rookies alike as decisions loom for the 53-man roster.
FAQs
Which Lions DT is most likely to miss time in 2025?
Alim McNeill is expected to miss at least 10 games due to a late-season ACL tear.
Is rookie Tyleik Williams healthy for training camp?
Yes. He had a minor hamstring strain but is expected to be fully ready for camp and Week 1.
Will DJ Reader be ready for Week 1?
Yes, though his workload may be managed due to past quad injuries and age.
How many DTs will the Lions likely keep on the 53-man roster?
Based on past roster patterns, expect the Lions to keep four to five DTs, with several more candidates headed to the practice squad.
